Additional awards from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund (UKSPF/REPF) have been made to a number of projects across East Lindsey.
The funding available for these late, additional awards has been raised through efficiency savings generated by the current UKSPF programme via the management of current grants.
This is in addition to more than 150 other projects across the sub-region which have already received grants directly or indirectly from the UKSPF programme, distributed by South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (SELCP), since the fund’s creation in 2023.
This funding has been distributed among:
Goldwing Owners Club (Lincolnshire Branch) – Skegness Light Parade – Supporting the expansion and continuation of the popular event which raises money for multiple local charities and provides an out-of-season event in Skegness. The event, which is free, will take place on Saturday, September 28 this year and is open to people of all ages.
Sir Joseph Banks CIO – Saving the Sir Joseph Banks Centre – The funding will be a contribution towards purchasing the building which the society currently uses as its museum. This will be part of a wider package of funding that will save the Grade II listed building and secure its future as an ongoing museum and rural training hub in the centre of Horncastle.
The Friends of St Peter & St Paul – The Old Bolingbroke Gas House – An extension of funding to the project which will safeguard the building’s long-term future by restoring and converting it to a permanent exhibition space.
Greenborough Management Ltd – Taming the Dragons – Developing an Angel Investor Network for East Lindsey Businesses – Looking to build on a successful model already in existence across the East Midlands. A total of 18 businesses will be supported through a programme which aims to improve their chances of long-term investment for growth by matching them with private financiers (or ‘Angels’) – with a proportion of these businesses going through to a ‘Dragon’s Den’ type event, in front of a live audience, to pitch to the ‘angel investors’ and receive real investment. At least four businesses will receive investment at the end of the process.
In a joint statement, East Lindsey Councillors Steve Kirk, portfolio holder for The Coastal Economy, and Adam Grist, portfolio holder for Market Towns and Rural Economy, said: “We are thrilled to be able to distribute this funding to a number of projects which will benefit the people across our area while providing a boost to its economy, heritage and tourism offerings.
“We are continuing to see some fantastic results from more than 150 projects across South and East Lincolnshire which have already been putting their UKSPF awards to good use – and look forward to seeing even more great things over the coming weeks and months.”
Grantham Dementia Reminiscence Groups support members of RAF Family with memory loss
To mark World Alzheimer’s Day, recognised globally on 21 September, the RAF welfare charity, the RAF Benevolent Fund, is highlighting its support for members of the RAF Family affected by dementia and memory loss in Grantham.
Research has found that 982,000 people are estimated to be living with dementia in the UK, with 52% of the UK public knowing someone who has been diagnosed with a form of dementia.
According to research, armed forces veterans have an increased risk of dementia due to risk factors including traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, deployment, and sleep. The RAF Benevolent Fund facilitates Dementia Reminiscence Groups for serving and retired members of the RAF, including widows and spouses, who are affected by memory loss.
The groups, based in Grantham and country-wide, allow members of the RAF Family with dementia and memory loss to share life experiences, memories and stories from the past, giving those affected a sense of competence and confidence by recalling these memorable moments.
In 2023, the RAF Benevolent Fund was awarded a grant of £82,000 from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to go towards funding up to eight Dementia Reminiscence Groups over three years.
Terry, who has benefitted from his local group in Cambridgeshire, said: “I struggle with dementia and need prompting by my wife constantly. I forget things when I’m speaking, and she fills in the gaps for me. I forget words, where I live and, more upsettingly, the names of my children. It’s scary. The group has made me feel welcome and is a safe place for my wife and I to speak and meet with people.”
Declan Geraghty, Friendships and Connections Manager at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “We are dedicated to supporting the local RAF Family with our Dementia Reminiscence Groups, during Alzheimer’s Awareness Day and beyond. Our goal is to connect individuals affected by memory loss, whether diagnosed or not, by fostering meaningful connections. Engaging with others who share similar experiences can significantly reduce feelings of isolation and enhance overall happiness and wellbeing.”
Image: RAF Benevolent Fund’s Dementia Reminiscence Group attendees take part in the Fund’s Tin Foil Challenge in St Ives, Cambridgeshire. Credit: Ollie Dixon
Edible Grimsby returns to town in October
Free creative event Edible Grimsby returns to the town on Saturday 5th October promising free food tastings, food and drink stalls, and entertainment.
It’s been created by The Culture House in partnership with Emergency Exit Arts to celebrate growing, cooking and sharing food.
Charlotte Bowen, Culture House director said: “2024 sees a return to St James’ Square for Edible Grimsby and it should be a brilliant day when all ages can enjoy food alongside fantastic entertainment within the town centre.”
“We’re committed to enlivening our grey streets with vibrant and accessible events and Edible Grimsby is just one offering that aims to achieve this.”
Taking place from 11am – 4pm, the day will include an array of performances from both local and national talent including street theatre, live music, immersive creative story-telling shows and indoor theatre.
Local community groups Oasis Hub, Community Shop, Friendship at Home and makers including Beetroot Collective will be making bespoke sauces and ‘A Jar of Goodness’ using locally grown ingredients provided by Green Futures. Rhubarb jams and onion chutney will be offered for tasting, together with home-made scones provided by The Canopy Kitchen.
Other fantastic local food stalls that have recently between them served thousands at Cleethorpes’ Grub Fest, will include the popular Greek Shack. Riverhead Coffee will also be providing tasting treats and mini bites.
As well as fun, food-related street theatre, visitors can also enjoy three amazing shows by national touring companies – TEABREAK, TOAST and A Tiger’s Tale for children by M6 Theatre.
Edible Grimsby is funded by Create North East Lincolnshire through the Place Partnership Fund and supported by Ramsden International and Pattesons Glass.
Devlopment of Greyfriars building gets under way in Lincoln
The development of Lincoln’s culturally-significant Greyfriars building has begun, with a view to removing it from the National ‘At Risk’ Register by creating a space for weddings, conferences, and education.
Greyfriars is set to welcome visitors again in late 2025 thanks to a successful bid for £3m in funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and partner organisations.
ASBC Heritage & Conservation Specialists are dedicated to the conservation and restoration of the nation’s historic structures, making them a perfect fit for such a restoration project.
Dating back to 1230, Greyfriars is believed to be the oldest-surviving Franciscan friary building in the country, having served the community in various roles over the centuries including as a Free School, a Jersey knitting and spinning school, a house of correction, a mechanics institute and the county museum.
Heritage Lincolnshire will work with community partners to create a multi-use space for events, conferences, weddings, learning and other creative uses in this historic part of the city. The project will deliver an exciting programme of activities and events to celebrate the history of Greyfriars and provide learning opportunities for a broad audience.
Cllr Joshua Wells, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council, said: “I am very pleased that the necessary funds from the National Lottery Heritage Fund have been secured to bring the Greyfriars building back into use, and that the construction phase has begun. The building is so steeped in history and culture, and it will become an even more unique and treasured asset to the city once made more accessible for visitors.”
Tracy Stringfellow, Chief Executive at Heritage Lincolnshire added: “I am incredibly excited to start the next stage of this project at the iconic Greyfriars. A tremendous amount of work has been going on behind the scenes, with City of Lincoln colleagues we have been working closely with the Heritage Fund to bring about appointment of our construction partner, Alan Staley Building Contractors Ltd. We can’t wait to see work progress and for Greyfriars to begin serving the community once again.”
Cleethorpes makes ‘Bucket and Spade’ list of top ten seaside attractions
Cleethorpes has secured a place on the Seaside Heritage Network’s Bucket and Spade List of the Top Ten favourite seaside places.
A public vote put the resort’s Lakeside area at Number 7, behind features at New Brighton, the Isle of Wight, and Folkestone, with Scarborough’s Grand Hotel coming in at Number 9.
Voters said of Cleethoroes’ Lakeside area that it was family friendly, very accessible for mobility restricted disabled people; calming and great for mental well-being; and spacious.
Dr Kathryn Ferry, founder member of the Seaside Heritage Network, stressed how important it was to see people and communities getting behind the vote: “Our winners this year are not the usual suspects but that is a timely reminder that seaside heritage is not always grand or obvious. These are attractions that make their location unique, they are distinctive things that are highly valued by residents and visitors alike; it’s for that reason thousands of people took the time to register their choice.
“Several themes came out in the comments from voters and the sense of continuity these places and experiences provide was key. People have a great nostalgia for the things they enjoyed in childhood and they are grateful for the opportunity to pass that on to the next generation. Our winners were routinely praised for their family focus and friendly staff too. We firmly believe that embracing the power of seaside heritage to connect with people anew can help coastal places blighted by social and economic problems. It’s brilliant to have such a varied and cherished Top Ten.”
New stretch of King Charles III England Coast Path opens in Lincolnshire
A new stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path has been opened, giving the public a legal right to access some of Lincolnshire’s coastline for the very first time.
The opening of 57.3 miles (92.7 km) of path between Sutton Bridge and Skegness means the majority of the coastline of The Wash is now open to walkers. This section links to the existing section of King Charles III England Coast Path around the Norfolk coastline and to Lincolnshire’s open National Trail between Skegness and Mablethorpe.
Victoria Manton, Deputy Director for Natural England in the East Midlands, said: “This new stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path will give people from all over the country access to our beautiful local coastline, connecting them with nature and providing health and wellbeing benefits. The trail will also support the local economy – bringing walkers and visitors to the towns and villages for daytrips, refreshments and places to stay.”
The path provides multiple opportunities to spot sea birds, waders and other fantastic nature with views across The Wash, which is of national and international importance, and also across the rich farmed landscapes of Lincolnshire. The Wash attracts large numbers of migratory and overwintering birds such as knot, dunlin and oystercatcher. The route of the path has been carefully assessed to avoid impacts to protected species. At Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve works have been undertaken to create a year-round dry route.
The trail passes through the town of Boston, passing the memorial to the Pilgrim Fathers who sailed to America on the Mayflower. The trail north of Boston is a new route on a relatively new coastline and as it cannot continue to Skegness until a new bridge is built it stops at a convenient point to allow walkers to either turn around or to turn inland to pick up other paths.
Parts of the path are very remote with no public facilities or connecting paths for many miles, so walkers are advised to be self-sufficient, taking enough food and water for the journey, checking the weather and wearing appropriate clothing and footwear.
Natural England worked on this section of the King Charles III England Coast Path with its key partner Lincolnshire County Council.
Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for environment at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “The Lincolnshire coast has long attracted residents and visitors looking to explore its natural beauty. It’s a great pleasure to see this latest section of the King Charles III England Coast Path is now open, giving people even greater access to our unspoilt coastline.
“I had the pleasure of meeting His Majesty elsewhere on the Lincolnshire coast during his first visit to the county as King, back in July last year. He took a keen interest in the management of the coastal environment and providing access to nature. It seems fitting then, that we celebrate extending public access to the coast with the opening of this next section of the path that bears his name.”
Darren Braine, Senior Officer for the King Charles III England Coast Path at Natural England, said: “It has taken many years of working with our partners and land owners to deliver this exciting new National Trail around The Wash and to create this key link in the long distance network. But our work isn’t done. The River Steeping has presented a particular challenge and we are working at pace to design and install a new bridge across the estuary.
“In the meantime, we have to keep this area closed for public use as there is no means of crossing these dangerous tidal waters. Until the new bridge is installed, there are about five miles of the trail that are not yet open for public use, but we have forged ahead with opening the other 52 miles.”
The King Charles III England Coast Path, once completed, will be a 2,700 mile National Trail around the whole of the English coast, enabling people to enjoy, recognise and value the benefits of our environment. Over 95% of the English coast is expected to be walkable by the end of 2024, with work to finish the job following on closely behind.
The KCIIIECP will link up and improve existing coastal paths and create new access where there was none before. People can arrive at the coast anywhere in England in the confident knowledge that there will be clear, well-signed and well-managed access around the coast in either direction. The trail aims to stay as close to the coast as possible and in many places that means walking right alongside the coast, while in others it heads inland, though usually only for short distances.
Once complete the King Charles III England Coast Path will be England’s longest National Trail. It is unique as a ‘coastal margin’ is being created alongside the trail. The margin includes all land between the trail and the sea, providing new rights to enjoy areas like beaches and dunes. Exceptions will apply such as private properties and gardens, buildings and MoD land. In some locations mudflats and saltmarsh will have restricted access due to their unsuitability.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Brian Jackson East Lindsey projects granted additional awards totalling more than £100,000 from UK Shared Prosperity Fund
Food festival’s ready to return to Louth
The Louth Food and Drink Festival returns to celebrate and showcase the work of food and drink producers on Sunday 29 September.
The festival, in its second year, is organised by East Lindsey District Council and will welcome a variety of different stalls to the town centre between 10am and 4pm.
On the day, demonstrations will also be taking place from local suppliers and venues throughout the festival, such as live music from the likes of The Athertones, Henry Atherton and The Coggle Sisters, as well as pop-up shows from Rhubarb Theatre, Earthbound Misfits and The Shenanigans.
The festival is being held as part of the Council’s Vital and Viable Market Towns initiative, which aims to work with local communities to protect, promote and preserve East Lindsey’s market towns. The Vital and Viable team specifically designed the festival to promote the nationally recognised unique food and drink offer in Louth and the surrounding area.
Councillor Adam Grist, East Lindsey District Council portfolio holder for Market Towns and Rural Economy, said: “At East Lindsey District Council, we are immensely proud of the fantastic variety of high-quality food and drink businesses on offer in Louth and the surrounding area, and I’m very pleased we can continue this event for a second year as it will be fantastic to see residents, visitors and traders coming together to celebrate and explore for themselves again.
“Whether you prefer sweet or savoury, or if you like a tipple or something non-alcoholic, I can guarantee there will be something new for you to try that is being grown, made, baked or brewed here in Lincolnshire. I would encourage everyone to save the date and come along to support our brilliant local businesses and producers and help to put Louth and East Lindsey on the culinary map.”
Discover your Autumn escape at Ashfield Park!
Looking for the perfect place to settle down this autumn? Ashfield Park in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire is hosting an exclusive Open Day on 17th September 2024.
The park is excited to present a stunning new home, perfect for those over 50 seeking a peaceful and welcoming community.
Located on the outskirts of Scunthorpe, Ashfield Park offers a relaxed, close-knit lifestyle while still providing easy access to the amenities of the town.
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the friendly team, tour the park, and explore why so many have chosen Ashfield Park as their forever home.
Whether downsizing or planning for a comfortable retirement, guests are sure to feel at home in this inviting setting.
📅 Mark the calendar: 17th September 2024 | 10am – 4pm
📍 Ashfield Park, Burringham Road, Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire DN17 2AL
Almost sixty more miles of coast are opened for walkers
Walkers now have a legal right to walk a 57-mile stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path between Sutton Bridge and Skegness.
This means the majority of the coastline of The Wash is now open to walkers, since this section links to the existing section of the around the Norfolk coastline and to Lincolnshire’s open National Trail between Skegness and Mablethorpe.
Victoria Manton, Deputy Director for Natural England in the East Midlands, said: “This new stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path will give people from all over the country access to our beautiful local coastline, connecting them with nature and providing health and wellbeing benefits. The trail will also support the local economy – bringing walkers and visitors to the towns and villages for daytrips, refreshments and places to stay.”
The path provides multiple opportunities to spot sea birds, waders and other nature with views across The Wash, which is of national and international importance, and also across the rich farmed landscapes of Lincolnshire. The Wash attracts large numbers of migratory and overwintering birds such as knot, dunlin and oystercatcher. The route of the path has been carefully assessed to avoid impacts to protected species. At Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve works have been undertaken to create a year-round dry route.
The trail passes through Boston, passing the memorial to the Pilgrim Fathers who sailed to America on the Mayflower. The trail north of Boston is a new route on a relatively new coastline and as it cannot continue to Skegness until a new bridge is built it stops at a convenient point to allow walkers to either turn around or to turn inland to pick up other paths.
Parts of the path are very remote with no public facilities or connecting paths for many miles, so walkers are advised to be self-sufficient, taking enough food and water for the journey, checking the weather and wearing appropriate clothing and footwear.
Natural England worked on this section of the King Charles III England Coast Path with its key partner Lincolnshire County Council.
Darren Braine, Senior Officer for the King Charles III England Coast Path at Natural England said: “It has taken many years of working with our partners and land owners to deliver this exciting new National Trail around The Wash and to create this key link in the long distance network. But our work isn’t done. The River Steeping has presented a particular challenge and we are designing and installing a new bridge across the estuary.
“In the meantime, we have to keep this area closed for public use as there is no means of crossing these dangerous tidal waters. Until the new bridge is installed, there are about five miles of the trail that are not yet open for public use, but we have forged ahead with opening the other 52 miles.”
The King Charles III England Coast Path, once completed, will be a 2,700 mile National Trail around the whole of the English coast, enabling people to enjoy, recognise and value the benefits of our environment. Over 95% of the English coast is expected to be walkable by the end of 2024, with work to finish the job following on closely behind.
Full schedule revealed for No Limits Festival
The full 2024 schedule for No Limits Festival has been revealed.
The event, allowing families to meet their favourite authors and unleash their creativity, will storm into Normanby Hall Country Park near Scunthorpe on 21 and 22 September (10am – 4pm).
Brigg-based, award winning, independent bookshop, The Rabbit Hole, has curated an action-packed programme brimming with author talks and workshops, local food & craft stalls, poetry & spoken word, historical re-enactments, outdoor theatre, live music and local performers, bringing the magic of books and creative arts to life.
For this very-special weekend, entry is completely free, giving families the perfect chance to discover everything the award-winning park has to offer.
